China has developed the world's first clinical all-digital positron emission tomography (PET) scan which helps significantly with the early detection of cancer.(People.cn/Photo)

It was announced on Wednesday that Chinese scientists have developed the world's first clinical all-digital positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which is used for checking the whole human body, and also helps significantly with the early detection of cancer.

Developed by Huazhong University of Science and Technology, the new PET represents today's cutting-edge medical imaging technology. In addition to cancer prevention, the new technology will be used to diagnose cardiovascular and neurological diseases. 

The all-digital PET has been granted 81 patents at home and abroad, and will be put into clinical application soon, said professor Xie Qingguo, who led the research for the project. 

The machine consists of more than 300 modules that take just five minutes to scan an entire body. The resolution of its scans reaches 2.2 millimeters, which is twice as good as the capability of current imported models.

China has developed the world's first clinical all-digital positron emission tomography (PET) scan which helps significantly with the early detection of cancer.(People.cn/Photo)